1Now at the same time, king Herod extended his hand, in order to afflict some from the Church. 2Then he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. 3And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he set out next to apprehend Peter also. Now it was the days of Unleavened Bread. 4So when he had apprehended him, he sent him into prison, handing him over into the custody of four groups of four soldiers, intending to produce him to the people after the Passover. 5And so Peter was detained in prison. But prayers were being made without ceasing, by the Church, to God on his behalf. 6And when Herod was ready to produce him, in that same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, and was bound with two chains. And there were guards in front of the door, guarding the prison. 7And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell. And tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying, “Rise up, quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands. 8Then the Angel said to him: “Dress yourself, and put on your boots.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.” 9And going out, he followed him. And he did not know this truth: that this was being done by an Angel. For he thought that he was seeing a vision. 10And passing by the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city; and it opened for them by itself. And departing, they continued on along a certain side street. And suddenly the Angel withdrew from him. 11And Peter, returning to himself, said: “Now I know, truly, that the Lord sent his Angel, and that he rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the people of the Jews were anticipating.”
2I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will be ever in my mouth. 3In the Lord, my soul will be praised. May the meek listen and rejoice. 4Magnify the Lord with me, and let us extol his name in itself. 5I sought the Lord, and he heeded me, and he carried me away from all my tribulations. 6Approach him and be enlightened, and your faces will not be confounded. 7This poor one cried out, and the Lord heeded him, and he saved him from all his tribulations. 8The Angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear him, and he will rescue them. 9Taste and see that the Lord is sweet. Blessed is the man who hopes in him.
6For I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses close. 7I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith. 8As for the remainder, a crown of justice has been reserved for me, one which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to those who look forward to his return. Hurry to return to me soon. 9For Demas has abandoned me, out of love for this age, and he has departed for Thessalonica. 10Crescens has gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. 11Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13When you return, bring with you the supplies that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith has shown me much evil; the Lord will repay him according to his works. 15And you should also avoid him; for he has strongly resisted our words. 16At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them! 17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching would be accomplished, and so that all the Gentiles would hear. And I was freed from the mouth of the lion. 18The Lord has freed me from every evil work, and he will accomplish salvation by his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
13Then Jesus went into parts of Caesarea Philippi. And he questioned his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter responded by saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17And in response, Jesus said to him: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven. 18And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.”